FARMERS are being urged to go organic amid the news that demand for organic beef continues to outstrip UK supply.

UK retailers already import around 40% of organic beef from South America and elsewhere while 60% is domestically produced, according to the Red Meat Industry Forum (RMIF).

Consumer demand will grow by a predicted 30% to 40% within the next three years and RMIF adviser Bob Bansback says this means that even more imports will be needed unless UK farmers can produce more organic beef.

Addressing the Soil Association's British organic beef conference in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, Mr Bansback said the cost of producing organic beef was on average 20% to 25% higher than the standard variety.

Describing the push towards more UK organic beef, he said, "Suppliers and retailers have to provide long-term commitments and they have to provide producers with an adequate return. Everyone has to make an effort to make this happen."

The RMIF is encouraging more organic dairy farmers to also produce organic beef.

It takes around two years for a conventional farm to convert to the organic standards required to get Soil Association approval. Market research carried out for the RMIF shows people in London and the South East eat the most organic beef.

Despite booming sales, organic beef currently makes up around 1% of the UK's total beef market.

The RMIF was set up to help livestock farmers during the foot-and- mouth epidemic.